1.) One of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, Badakhshan is located in the country’s far north-eastern corner. On its north it borders Tajikistan and on its east it borders Pakistan, as well as China. It has a population of around one million people, and covers 44,059 square kilometres of land. Like many other parts of the country, it has a mixed ethnic and religious make-up, with Tajiks making up a majority and minorities of Uzbeks and Kyrgyzs, amongst other groups. Its main religious groups are Sunni and Ismaili. Shown here is an aerial shot of Faizabad, the provincial capital. Photo: Fardin Waezi / UNAMA

2.) The flight from the Afghan capital, Kabul, to Faizabad takes up to one hour by a fixed wing aircraft, or some two hours by MI-8 helicopter, depending on availability of the fleet that UNAMA operates in order to access to its various offices throughout Afghanistan. In this photo, Mr. Haysom uses the two hours of travel time in the helicopter to go over his briefing notes ahead of his various meetings on the ground. Photo: Fardin Waezi / UNAMA

3.) The flight from Kabul to Faizabad involves crossing over the renowned 800 kilometre-long Hindu Kush mountain range, which stretches between central Afghanistan and northern Pakistan. The mountain range spills into Badakshan province. Access to the province’s 27 districts for UNAMA staff can be difficult due to the difficult terrain, as well as insecurity. In winter in particular, access is hampered by heavy snowfalls. Flights are often cancelled and road trips can be hazardous. Photo: Fardin Waezi / UNAMA

4.) Upon arriving in Faizabad, Mr. Haysom is met by staff from the local UNAMA office. The UN Mission currently has 13 regional and provincial offices across Afghanistan, charged with carrying out political outreach, the promotion of peace, development coherence and human rights. Likes others, the Faizabad office is also responsible for analyzing the political and security situation, monitoring security sector reform and the transition process, and promoting regional cooperation. These activities involve going out to the provinces districts; in 2012, 15 of 27 districts were visited. In this image, the head of the UNAMA office, Tomoko Kubota, briefs Mr. Haysom on their way to their car.  Photo: Fardin Waezi / UNAMA

5.) The programmes for such visits tend be time-bound and scheduled to make the most of the time spent on the ground. Without delay, Mr. Haysom is whisked away to the UNAMA office for his first meeting of the day, which is a town-hall type of encounter with the provincial office’s staff, made up of 35 national and three international staff members. There, as seen here, he outlines current challenges facing the Mission and fields questions from staff.
Photo: Fardin Waezi / UNAMA

6.) A key part of the Deputy Special Representative’s work is listening to the concerns of community representatives, political parties and women in each province, especially in relation to the country’s presidential and provincial council elections scheduled for April 2014, and how the United Nations can be of greater assistance in the country’s efforts to bring about a stable and transparent political transition. In this image, Mr. Haysom meets with representatives from a range of political groups in Badakhshan. Female representatives assured him of women’s participation in the elections. Photo: Fardin Waezi / UNAMA

7.) Most visits to Afghanistan’s regions involve high-level meetings with the local authorities. His visit to Badakhashan included a meeting with the province’s governor, Dr. Shah Wali Adeeb, shown here greeting the UN official at the governor’s compound.  Photo: Fardin Waezi / UNAMA

8.) At the meeting with Governor Adeeb and senior officials from various parts of the provincial government, Mr. Haysom heard that the 2014 elections would be a major challenge in several districts due to their remoteness and unfavourable weather conditions. Other topics discussed included security issues and ongoing eradication efforts against opium poppy cultivation. According to UN studies, Afghanistan has retained its position as the lead producer and cultivator of opium globally, with 74 per cent of the world’s illicit opium production in 2012.
Photo: Fardin Waezi / UNAMA

9.) After a quick lunch and a full day, Mr. Haysom and his team speed back to the airfield for their return flight. In his 16 months with UNAMA, the Deputy Special Representative has visited almost all of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. “While Kabul is the capital and, in many ways the centre of Afghanistan, Afghanistan is much more than Kabul – the meetings held during these visits are a key part in garnering the views and thoughts of the UN’s various interlocutors throughout the country,” he said. Photo: Fardin Waezi / UNAMA

10.) After a brief but intense visit, Mr. Haysom and his team head back to Kabul – but his day is far from over. Awaiting him at his office are an overflowing inbox of emails to respond to, various reports to sign off on and an evening meeting, as well as an interview with an international media organization about current political developments in Afghanistan. Asides from reading up on some reports, in this shot, the Deputy Special Representative takes the opportunity of a quieter moment during the return flight to admire the scenery over the Hindu Kush mountain range.

Photos: Fardin Waezi / UNAMA